Modernisation of the first 2-section freight locomotive, series 2M62U, has been successfully completed. It was done under the modernisation program of freight locomotives approved by the Board of the SJSC Latvijas Dzelzcels on 15 March 2005. The modernisation program envisages taking measures aimed at improving of the technical and operational indices of the existing freight locomotives’ fleet. It would enable carrying heavier trains along the railway lines.
A tender established the contractor for the locomotive modernisation works. As a result, the Hungarian company MAV Szolnoki Jarmujavito got the rights of carrying out the modernisation of the first locomotive, series 2M62U. All the works planned had to be performed between June and December 2006.
The planned locomotive modernisation measures were relatively subdivided into two parts; the ones were connected with the increase of the capacity and the aim of the other was essentially improving the working conditions of the engine driver team.
Carrying out the capacity increase measures, the elaborated modernisation project simultaneously envisaged an improvement of the locomotive technical operational indicators to be ensured by decrease of fuel and lubricating substances and by the prolongation of the duration of the span of time between the repairs of the individual nodes and aggregates.
The most substantial changes have affected the locomotive engine-room: instead of according to old two-stroke engines there are now four-stroke diesel engines with 3000 HP capacities of the U.S. company Caterpillar build in.
Capacity increase by 1000 HP per each locomotive section and the electronic adjustment of each individual traction engine will ensure a carriage of approx. 1,000 tonnes heavier freight trains.
In the course of modernisation, a new computerized control system has been installed for measuring of the locomotive operation parameters as well as of the possible damages’ diagnostics from the work place of the engine driver. It will provide the engine driver team with the opportunity of taking an operational decision on the possibility of averting established damages by themselves.
Thanks to an improved cabin windows’ antifreeze system, a new heating and a new air conditioning system, a new model of an amortised and a new adjusting chair, the working conditions of engine driver crew have improved significantly.
Other locomotives will follow the first modernised one according to the approved modernisation programme. There will be altogether 28 2-section freight locomotives, series 2M62U that will be upgraded similarly in the immediate years to come. The locomotive modernisation programme is being accomplished by the funds of the SJSC Latvijas Dzelzcels.
It should be noted that according to a similar project modernised locomotives are successfully operating at the Lithuanian Railway.